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Here are 19 few reasons why the Swiss are feeling smug - and a few reasons why they shouldn't be.

1. They're rich

Depending on whose estimates you trust, Switzerland comes 8th or 9th in the world rankings when it comes to GDP per capita - around $58,000. In the UK, GDP per capita is just under $40,000.

2. They live longer

Until the ripe age of 82.8, on average, putting it 10th on that particular table. Britain is down in 28th.

3. The chocolate

Research has shown that chocolate causes the brain to release dopamine - and no-one does chocolate quite like the Swiss.

4. But they aren't fat

Despite all that Lindt within arm's reach, Switzerland has one of the lowest obesity rates in Europe (around nine per cent), on a par with Sweden, France, Italy and the Netherlands, and well behind Britain, where around a quarter of adults are considered obese.

5. They've got the coolest sportsman in the world

Coolest man with a racket

Fabian Cancellara is a bit of legend too...

Coolest man on two wheels (Photo: Getty)

6. They don't take sides

Switzerland has not been involved in a war since 1847, and doesn't spend billions of pounds on the military.

7. They're multilingual

Most Swiss will understand German (both Swiss German and Standard German), French and English, and possibly Italian. Many in Britain struggle just with English.

8. The working hours

They work 35.2 hours a week, on average, according to the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). That compares with 36.4 hours in Britain, 38 in Spain, 42.1 in Greece and 48.9 in Turkey.

9. The scenery

How's the serenity? (Photo: Alamy)

And the skiing and the mountain air.

10. The healthcare

Switzerland is renowned for its healthcare system, Santésuisse, with appointment waiting times among the lowest in the world. It's no wonder the International Red Cross is based in Geneva.

11. They're smart

Ignorance, it seems, might not be bliss. Switzerland has produced 25 Nobel laureates out of a population of around eight million. That's more per capita than any country except Luxembourg, Saint Lucia and the Faroe Islands (which have five between them). Albert Einstein, though born in Germany, studied in Zurich and also developed the theory of relativity while living in Bern. And they also seem to understand what's going on inside the Large Hadron Collider.

Einstein studied in Switzerland (Photo: Getty)

12. Ursula Andress

The original Bond girl is Swiss (Photo: Alamy)

13. It's very democratic

Switzerland is widely considered the closest any nation has come to a direct democracy. Ordinary citizens can propose constitutional changes, referendums can be requested on any new law, and its 26 cantons enjoy a good deal of autonomy.

14. The lakes

Cities are often situated besides lakes. Working by the water is sure to ease your stress levels.

Lausanne (Photo: Alamy)

15. Scenic trains

Fewer modes of transport are more relaxing than a rail journey. Even better when it's one of its epic routes, like the Glacier or Bernina expresses.